DTC Athlete Spotlight: Hector Zambrano

Hector Zambrano, a member of Dayton Track Club

Mexico City Marathon FINISHER!

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Hector, 54, was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. in the early 1990s. He’s lived in the Dayton area since moving here and has worked for the Kroger Co. as a corporate demand planner since 2002. In September, Hector ran the Mexico City Marathon – his first marathon ever.

Tell us about your running history: I’ve always said that running has saved my life. During a doctor’s visit due to my declining health (I was extremely overweight), the doctor told me I needed to lose weight, or my health would continue to decline with more severe consequences. After hearing that, I began by walking a few minutes during my lunch breaks at work; little by little I started jogging. I really enjoyed it, especially because I started noticing progress in my health. I’m a very slow runner, but I’ve been running for 12 years now.

What races have you done? During my running journey I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several half-marathons and the Mexico City Marathon.

When did you join the Dayton Track Club training group? About two years ago.

How did the training help with the Mexico City Marathon this fall? It’s been difficult for me to join all the group training runs, because I run really early (5 a.m.), but I come when I have the opportunity. To train for Mexico City, I was also doing a virtual training with a group from La Piedad Michoacan, Mexico, coached by Coach Osvaldo Ramirez. When I joined the Dayton Track Club runs, I received so much support, guidance and encouragement from Coach Chelsey.

What is your future running plans? I registered to run the L.A. Marathon next March, so I am starting to train for that. In the long term, I am excited because my application to run the Sydney Marathon in Australia was accepted; that race will be next August.

Is there anything else you'd like to share? Besides the obvious physical, mental and spiritual benefits from running, I have experienced many other benefits I can apply to my day-to-day life such as being more patient, consistent and goal driven. Regardless of everyone’s age, but especially for those of us over 50, I really encourage you to start doing some physical activity; your body, and people around you -- especially your family -- will thank you.